Apparatus for forming ribbed strips for insoles



Sept. 26, 1950 s. M. GRlswoLD 2,523,467

APPARATUS FOR FORMING RIBBED STRIPS FOR INSOLES Filed Feb. i28, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Spt. 26, 1950 s. M. GRlswoLD APPARATUS FOR FORMING RIBBED STRIPSFOR INSOLES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28, 1946 IlLIIII W48 /n venoP Stan ey N. n'swoid Byg Sept. 26, 1950 s. M. GRlswoLD 2,523,457

' APPARATUS FOR FORMING RIBBED STRIPS FOR INSOLES Filed Feb. 28, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 f/e fsa 77 Sept. 26, 1.950 s. M. GRlswoLD APPARATUS FOR FORMING RIBBED STRIPS FOR INSOLES Filed Feb. 28, 1946 4 sheets-sheet 4 (I lllll/sgxxxx:

[n venan Szanzey N. Griswold y l' l )ley Patented Sept. 26, 1950 APPARATUS FOR FORMING RIBBED STRIPS FOR'INSOLES Stanley M.V Griswold, Newton, Mass., assignorto United Shoe Machinery Corporation, Flemington, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application February 28, 1946, Serial No. 651,011

14c1aims. (c1. 154-13) This invention relatesA to the manufacture of Y insoles and, more particularly, to ribbed :strips adapted for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, 'and the invention isillustrated herein as embodied in an'apparatus for use in the manufacture of vsaid ribbed strips.

`An important `object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus'adapted foruse in the manufacture of ribbed strips for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon.

To this end, the invention provides, in an apparatus for use in forming ribbed strips, comprisrotated by the friction ofthe strip against the roll, the pressing rolls, as herein illustrated, being 'positively driven to effect the feeding and pressing operations.l

After the rib has beenformed and pressed and Y the base has been maintained substantially flat,

ing a plurality of layers, adapted for application to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, 4the combination of means for folding layers of a composite or multi-ply strip to form a rib while maintaining another layer of the strip in an unfolded condition, rolls for drawing the strip progressively through the folding means and for pressing the rib to shape the same, and means for applying an additional strip of reinforcing material to one side of the rib and to a surface of the unfolded layer adjacent to said side. As herein illustrated, the folding means comprises a hollow tube-like member or funnel which tapers lengthwise and has an opening at one side into :which the` layers of the strip to be folded are introduced, the folder operating to turn these layers progressively toward each other Aor away from the unfolded layer of the strip while maintaining said layer in an unfolded condition outside the opening during vthe folding operation, means being provided on the folder for preventing the folded layers from coming into engagement with each other as long as the' strip remains in the folding means. The strip passes from the folding means into rib forming `and pressing rolls which are constructed and arranged to draw the strip through the folder and to press the folded layers together to form the rib, these rolls being frusto-conical in shape to position the rib at a predetermined angle to the unfolded layer which forms a base forthe rib.V

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the, rib forming and pressing rolls are 'and pressing rolls so that it will engage the unfolded layer of the strip and maintain it in a substantially flat `condition while the other layers of the strip are being folded and pressed to form the rib. The cylindrical roll is arrangedto lbe as described above, the ribbed strip is reinforced by an additional strip of material to strengthen the rib and to provide a wider base or flange portion on the rib than is provided by the base layer above referred to. To this end, the apparatus includes a reinforcing device into which the ribbed strip passes after leaving the rib forming and pressing device, the reinforcing means comprising, as illustrated herein, a pair ,of driven rolls of frusto-'conical shape adapted to act upon the ribbed strip and apply the additional strip 0f reinforcing material to one side of the rib and to a surface of thebase adjacent to said side, the

portions of the strip reinforced, as herein illus-` trated, preferably being the inner side of the rib and the surface of the base adjacent to said inner side. The reinforcing rolls are provided with a cooperating :cylindrical roll located in front of them and adapted to engage and maintain the base layer of the stripin a substantially fiat position during the reinforcing operation. The ribbed strip is guided to the reinforcing rolls by means provided for that purpose and adapted also to conduct the reinforcing strip from a suitable source of supply, such as a reel, to the reinforcing rolls in a shape and position adapted to permit the rolls readily to apply the reinforcing strip directly to the portions of the ribbed strip to be reinforced and particularly to press the reinforcing strip closely into the angle between the rib and the base of the strip, the action taking place progressivelyas the rolls rotate to feed the strip.

In addition to feeding, guiding and reinforcing the ribbed strip in the manner indicated above, the present apparatus is also arranged to flatten the strip by pressing'the rib against the base portion of the strip, thereby facilitating the handling ofthe strip before its application to an insole and permitting it to be more easily reeled `or packed for shipment.; As illustrated herein,`the compressing o-r flattening mechanism includes a pair of cylindrical rolls which are power driven and adapted to receive thereinforced strip progressively from the reinforcing device and to apply enough pressure to the strip, including the rib, to bend the latter substantially ilat against 3 this relatively flat condition until it is wound up on a reel. or otherwise packed for shipment. When the strip is unreeled and ready for application to an insole so that the tension on the strip is relieved, the rib will have a tendency to react and return to a more nearly upright position relatively to the base portion of the strip and the rib will thus be located in a proper position to provide a, suitable sewing rib on the insole, the rib, as herein illustrated, preferably being inclined inwardly at an acute angle to the base of the strip, or, in other words, to the body of the insole to which the strip is to be attached.

As indicated above, the reinforcing strip preferably extends a substantial distance beyond the edge of the base portion of the strip and, accordingly, is adapted to provide a relatively wide reinforcement for the body of the insole inwardly of the rib. The bottom surface of the base of the strip, that is, the base layer itself and the inwardly extending portion of the reinforcing strip, are precoated with cement, preferably a pressureresponsive cement which, when brought into contact with a similar coating of cement on the outer surface of the insole, will cause the strip to become firmly attached to the insole when it is applied thereto in any usual or convenient manner and pressed forcibly against the insole body.

With the above and other objects and features in view, the invention will now be described in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings and will thereafter be pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view through a multi-ply strip as it is supplied to the apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of a strip folding, feeding and pressing device which forms the first operating unit of the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the device shown in Fig. 3 With the folding mechanism broken off;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the device;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation, similar to Fig. 4, including the folding mechanism, the multi-ply strip being shown in section;

Fig. 7 is a vertical section on an enlarged scale through portions of the rolls of the device Operating upon the strip;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale i of the folding mechanism operating upon the strip, portions of the mechanism being broken away or shown in section;

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of a strip reinforcing device which forms the second operating unit of the apparatus;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the device illustrated in Fig. 9 with parts of the mechanism broken olf;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of tlie reinforcing device;

Fig. 12 is a side elevation, similar to Fig. 10, showing strip guiding mechanism on the reinforcing device;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail view of the guiding mechanism, the strips being shown in section;

Fig. 14 is a vertical section through the operating portions of the rolls of the reinforcing device operating upon the strip;

Fig. 15 is a side elevation of a strip compressing or flattening device which forms the final unit of the apparatus;

Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the device;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional view of the ribbed strip immediately after it has been operated upon by the attening device; and

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the ribbed strip ready for attachment to an insole.

The apparatus for forming the ribbed strips, as illustrated in Fig. 1, comprises three operating units or devices mounted on a common base or platform 20 and arranged to operate successively upon the strip as it is supplied thereto from a reel (not shown) or other source of supply preferably in the condition illustrated in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the strip S comprises a plurality of layers or plies of fabric material, such as canvas or Gem duck, three layers being used herein, which are arranged in superimposed relation to each other and are preferably secured together longitudinally adjacent to their mid portions by stitches 22. The layers of the strip may be secured together by a single chain stitch seam with the loop or chain of the stitch lying on the upper layer of the strip, as disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,381,950, granted August 14, 1945, or the layers may, if desired, be secured ltogether by the two parallel rows of lockstitches disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,381,951, granted August 14, 1945, the chain stitches being illustrated herein by way of eX- ample although, as stated, either type of seam .may be used. As supplied to the apparatus, therefore, the composite strip comprises a relatively wide lower layer 26, which subsequently forms the base of the ribbed strip, and two upper layers 28 and 30 which are to provide the ribforming elements of the strip, the upper or exposed surfaces of the upper layers being coated with cement C, which is preferably a pressureresponsive cement, such as rubber cement, latex or other cement having a rubber-like base, and the lower or base layer 26 being coated on its lower surface with such cement. The upper layer 30 of the strip, which forms the inner portion or core of the rib, is relatively narrow in width or only about half as wide as the other two layers. v

The strip S passes from the supply reel to the rst operating device of the apparatus which constitutes a strip formingy feeding and pressing unit and is constructed and `arranged to fold the margins of the two upper or rib-forming layers 28 and 3|] of the strip toward each other or away from the base layer 26, and also to press the folded marginspof these layers firmly together to form a rib while maintaining the base layer in an unfolded condition, the pressing operation being accomplished by a plurality of driven rolls on the device which also perform the strip feeding operation or, in other words, draw the strip progressively through the folding mechanism. As illustrated in the drawings, the strip-forming device comprises a base 32 mounted on the platform 20 and provided with forward and rearward uprights or struts 34, 36 in which is journaled a horizontal shaft 38 having secured to its forward end by a pin 40 a substantially frustoconical roll 42, the peripheral surface of which is provided with a step or shoulder 44, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 7. Rearwardly of the strut 36, the shaft 38 has secured thereto by a setscrew 46 a pinion 48 and, rearwardly of the pinion, the shaft carries a sprocket 50 secured to the shaft by a setscrew 52. On its rearward end the shaft 38 has another sprocket 54 (Fig. l) secured thereto by a setscrew 56. The sprocket 54 is connected by a chain 58 to any usual source ofpower, such as a motor (not shown), which may be mounted in any convenient manner ad-v conical roll 64, the peripheral surface of which' is complemental to the surface of the roll 42,

as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 7, the roll V64r likewise having a shoulder or step 66 in its peripheral face which registers with the shoulder 44 on the upper roll 42. The angle of inclination of the frusto-conical surfaces of the rolls 42, 64 is substantially 30 to the horizontal, as viewed in Fig. 7.

At its rearward end the shaft 68 carries a pinion 68 secured to the shaft in any usual manner and meshing with the upper pinion 48. The motor is arranged to rotate the upper shaft 38 and the gear and sprockets thereon in a clocke wise direction, ,as viewed in Fig. 3, and, accordingly, the lower shaft 66 will be rotated at an equal speedrin an opposite or counterclockwise direction through the pinions 48, 68. Theffrusto conical rolls 42, 84 on the forward ends of the shafts, therefore, will be rotated in the. proper directions to draw the composite strip S through the device in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figs. 11 and 3, or toward the left as viewed in those figures.

Before the strip S reaches the pressing rolls 42, 64, however, it is drawn by thel rolls through a folding device forming a part of the present operating unit vand mounted on the base 32 by means of a substantially L-shaped` bracket 16 secured to the base by screws 12. Asillustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 8, the folding device consists of upper and lower plates 14, 16 secured respectively to a laterally extending portion of the bracket 19 by screws18. At their forward or left-hand portions, as viewed in Fig. 6, the plates 14, 16 curve away from each other so that to-v gether they form a hollow tube-like member or funnel 88 which tapers towardthe rolls 42, 64 so that its smaller end is located opposite the space between the rolls, the tube-like member being separated at its forward or left-hand side. as viewed in Figs. A6 and 8, by an opening 82 where the curved portions of the Yplates 14, 'i6 do not meet. Projecting into the central portion of the folding member 80 is a laterally eX- tending portion of the L-shaped 4bracket 16, this portion providing a plate or n 84 which forms an abutment about which the upper layers of the multi-ply strip may be folded by the tapered wall of the folder. The plate 84 is arranged to extendbetween the folded portions of the strip and prevent them from coming into engagement with each other 'as long as the strip remains in the folder,

As illustrated in Fig. 8, the composite strip S is drawn into the folding member 89 byrolls' 42, 64 with the strip located in the substantially vertical position shown in Fig. 2. v'The free margins of the two upper layers 28 and 38 .ofthe composite strip are folded rearwardly awayrfrom the base layer 26V and, when the strip reaches the smallerend of the folder, these margins will have been folded Vabout the plate 84 until they are located substantially at right angles to the base 26, the folding taking place; of course, along the line of stitches 22. The base layer 26 is held outside the folder by the portions thereof adjacent 2 to the opening 82 so that the base layer is maintained in an unfolded condition as the strip is drawn progressively through the folder. As indicated above, theplate 84 projecting into the central portion of the tube-like member from the side` opposite the opening 82 extends between the folded margins of the upper layers of the strip and prevents them from coming into actual engagement with each other as long as the strip A remains in the folder, thereby causing said margins to enter the pressing rolls 42, `64 in a proper position to be engaged by the rolls and pressed into a rib which extends substantially at right angles tothe unfolded layer or base 26.

Upon leaving the folder 80, the strip passes immediately into the bite of the frusto-conical feeding and pressing rolls 42, 64 which, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 7, presses the folded margins of thetwo upper layers of the strip rmly together to form a rib R which, owing to the shapes of the rolls, is inclined at an angle of approximately 60 to the plane of the base layer 26. The shoulders 44, 96 on the rolls cooperate to press the intermediate layer 28 of the strip tightly about the top of the'inner layer or core 39 and the thicker portions of the rolls rear- Wardly of the shoulders act to press the opposing margins of the layer 28 closely together, the pressure-responsive cement on the upper surfaces of the layers 28 and 38 causing the layers to adhere to each other to render the rib permanent.

The base layer 26 of the strip is held ina substantially flat position during the rib-forming operation by means of a cylindrical roll 86 which is rotatably mounted in front of the frustoconical rolls 42, 64 on a vertical axis 88, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the roll 86 being in a position to engage the lower side of the base layer 26 vand maintain it in a substantially fiat position as the strip passes between the rolls 44, 64, as illustratedin Fig. 7. The axis 88 of the roll 86 comprises a screw threaded into a horizontal arm on an angular bracket 90 secured by screws 92 to the platform 28. The roll 86 is rotated by the friction of the strip against the surface of the roll.

The strip S passes from the pressing rolls 42, 64 substantially in the condition illustrated in Fig. '7 and, as shown in Fig. l, travels toward the left to enter the second operating unit of the apparatus, referred to hereinafter as a reinforcing device and adapted to apply an additional strip of material, such as canvas or Gem duck, to one side of the rib R and to a surface of the base or fiange portion of the strip adjacent to said side to reinforce said rib and adjacent surface. As illustrated in Figs. V1 and 9 to 14., inclusive, the reinforcing device comprises a base or frame 94 mounted on the platform 20 and provided with upstanding forward and rear struts 96, 98 and a crossbar H94. Rotatably mounted in the strutsr'SG, 98 is a horizontal shaft 102 to the forward or left-hand end of which, as viewed in Fig. 10, is secured in any. convenient manner a frusto-conical roll |04 provided in its Peripheral face with a step or shoulder |06. On its rearward end, rearwardly of the strut 98, the shaft |02 carries a pinion 68 secured by a setscrew l I0.

Journaledin the struts 96, 96, directly above the shaft l|02. is another horizontal shaft H2 having secured to its forward end a frusto-conical roll l I4 complemental in shape to the roll |84 and having .a shoulderll in its periphery corresponding in shape to the shoulder |06. On its rearward end, rearwardly of the .strut 98, the shaft I|2 carries a pinion IIB fastened to the shaft by a setscrew and meshing with the pinion |08. Rearwardly of the pinion ||8, the shaft has a sprocket |22 secured thereto by a setscrew |24 and connected by a chain |26 (Fig. 1) to the driven sprocket 50 on the forming and pressing device 32. On the rearward end of the shaft II2 is secured by a setscrew |28 another sprocket (Figs. 1 and l1). The sprocket |22 is driven in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 9, by the sprocket 50 through the chain |26 and, accordingly, the shaft II2 and roll I|4 are driven in a clockwise direction while the lower roll |04, through the pinions II8, |08, is rotated at the same speed but in an opposite or counterclockwise direction, the two rolls thus rotating in a proper manner to feed or draw the strip S progressively through the reinforcing device after it leaves the forming and pressing device 32.

The frusto-conical rolls |04, II4 are adapted to apply a strip of precemented reinforcing material to one side of the rib R and to a surface of the base layer 26 adjacent to the reinforced side of the rib. A separate strip of reinforcing material T, such as canvas or Gem duck having pressure responsive cement on one side, is supplied by a reel |30 (Fig. l) rotatably mounted on a spindle |32 secured in a boss formed on the platform 20. The reinforcing strip passes toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 1, around an idler pulley |34 and through a vertical guide |36 carried by an upstanding bracket |38 adjustably secured to the platform 20 by screws |39. After passing through the guide |36, the reinforcing strip continues to the left and passes into a second guide |40 which is combined with a strip guide |42 on the reinforcing device 04, the two guides acting to direct the ribbed strip S and the reinforcing strip T between the applying rolls |04, I I4 and also to bend the reinforcing strip into a proper shape to be readily applied to the ribbed strip. As illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 12 and 13, the guides |40, |42 are carried by an angular bracket |44 (Fig. l0) adjustably secured by screws |46 to the platform 20 and provided with a downwardly extending arm |48 (Fig. 12) to the forward side of which is secured by screws |50 the reinforcing strip guide |40, the guide being substantially L- shaped in side elevation and provided with a f similarly shaped slot |52 (Fig. 13).

The other guide |42 comprises an irregularly shaped member |54 secured to the lower end of the guide |40 by a screw |56 and provided with an upwardly projecting lip |58, the member |54 with its lip |58 and the bottom surface of the guide |40 together forming a substantially T- shaped slot |60 which serves as the strip guide. The ribbed strip S passes into the slot |60, as shown in the figures referred to, with the base layer 26 engaging the lip |58 and resting against the forward surface of the guide |40, the rib R extending into the horizontal portion of the T-slot |60 so that itis maintained substantially at right angles to the base 26'as the strip is guided between the reinforcing rolls |04, II4. The reinforcing strip T enters the Slot |52 in the guide |40, as indicated in Fig. 13, so that the lower portion of the strip is bent substantially at right angles to a much longer vertical portion thereof and is thus located in a position adapted to permit it to be readily attached by the rolls to one side of the rib R and to a surface of the base layer 26 adjacent to such side. It may be pointed out that the portions of the strip S which are reins' forced by the strip T are preferably the inner side of the rib R and the surface of the base or flange portion 26 adjacent to said inner side, and it will be noted that the relatively long vertical portion of the reinforcing strip T in Fig. 13 extends a considerable distance beyond the edge of the adjacent surface of the base 216 and thus provides a relatively wide reinforcement adapted to cover a substantial portion of the body of the insole inwardly of the rib, the base layer 26 and inwardly extending portion of the reinforcing strip T together completing the base of the ribbed strip, indicated in Figs. 14 and 18 by the letter B. It will be noted in Fig. 14 that the applying roll I I4 is shaped and arranged to force the reinforcing strip T fully into the angle between the inner side of the rib and they adjacent surface of the base layer 26.

In order to hold the strip S positively between the reinforcing rolls |04, I|4 for the full height of the rib and also to maintain the base layer 26 in a substantially flat position while it is passing between the rolls, the device is provided with a cylindrical roll |62 which, as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, is mounted to rotate freely on a vertical aXis |64 threaded into the lower end of a rectangular post |66 adjustably secured by a slot and screw connection |68 (Fig. 11) to a forwardly projecting portion |10 of the crossbar |00. The roll |62 is adapted to bear against the base layer 26 of the strip as it passes between the reinforcing rolls, and, since the roll is mounted to rotate freely on the axis |64, it will be rotated by the friction of the base layer against its peripheral surface as the strip is caused to pass between the reinforcing rolls `by the positive rotation of said rolls. Fig. 14 illustrates in detail the application of the reinforcing strip T t0 the inner side of the rib R and the surface of the base layer` 26 adjacent to said inner side, thereby producing a reinforced ribbed strip having a multi-ply rib R consisting of five plies at its lower portion and three plies at its upper portion, and also having a base or ange portion B which provides a relatively narrow outer flange and a wide inner ange made up of the base layer 26 and the inwardly extending portion of the reinforcing strip T.

The ribbed strip S, reinforced as described, passes farther to the left (Fig. 1) into another device adapted to compress or flatten the strip, including the rib R, to facilitate handling the strip before it is applied to an insole, or to permit convenient winding of the strip upon a reel for use or for shipment. The fiattening device, which forms the final operating unit of the apparatus, comprises a base |12 (Figs. l and 15) secured by screws |14 to the platform 20 and having a horizontal shaft |16 journaled in its upper portion. At its forward end the shaft carries a cylindrical roll |18, preferably smooth or uncorrugated to reduce friction and fastened to the shaft in any usual manner, as by a taper pin or setscrew. At its rearward end the shaft |16 carries a pinion and a sprocket |82 fastened to the shaft by setscrews (Fig. 1), the sprocket |82 being connected by a chain |84 to the driven sprocket |30 of the reinforcing device. Consequently, the shaft |16 and roll |18 are rotated in a clockwise direction by the sprocket |30,

which, in turn, is driven from the motor, as described above, through the chain and sprocket arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1.

Directly below the roll |18 is another cylindrical roll |86 secured to a shaft I 88 rotatably e mounted in the base lli and carrying a pinion |90 on its rearward end whih inesheswithfth'e rugated widthw'i'se to increase Afriction between it and the strip S. Thepinions T80, i90 rotate the lower shaft |88A and roll Illt` in a 'counterclbclwise direction, as viewed in Fig; 16, or `oprnosite to the m11 |13 and at the sam-eine of speed ist that the two rolls operate to draw the ribb Atrip between themV bygfriction and vt() coin nalaten the strip, including the rib R, with surficient pressure to cause therib to be bent'ver into a substantially horizontal position in ycontact with the base B, as illustrated in Fig. 17. After the pressure is relieved, the rib will nrmally react if the stripis not under other tension and tend to return to amorupriglitposition relatively to the base B, as illutrated in Fig. 18, in which the rib is inclined rearwar'dlt7 or inwardly relatively to the base at an angle of approximately 60. If the strip is wound on a reel, however, soon after leaving the flattening device so that the strip is under some tension lengthwise, the ribwll tend `to remain in the more nearly flat position illustrated in Fig. i7,

thereby facilitating the handling of the sti-ip L or preparing it for shipment.

The ribbed strip is guided into the flattening rolls |18, |86 by guiding means |92 which, as illustrated in Figs. l vand 16, consistsof a horizontal plate |84 having@ downwardly exterioing portion |96 secured to the base |12 by screws |90. The plate |34 carries a rear gage 200` and a forward gage 202 secured to the plate by screws Y ,35

203, the gages being undercut so that together they provide a horizontal slot or guideway 2 04 having an opening 206 in its yupper side.v The slot 204 is arranged to receive the base B ofthe ribbed strip and .the opening E accommodates the rib portion R, as illustrated in Fig. 15.` The gage is so located relatively to the rolls |18', |86 that the rear edge of theguideway 204 is in substantial alinement with the rear end faces offthe rolls, thereby locating the strip in a position in which the rolls will be caused to operate'thereon in the desired manner.

`Fig. 16' illustrates the strip being guided between the ilatteningrolls by the gage |32 and shows how the rib is bentor'attened intoa substantially horizontal position in contact the base of the strip after beingr operated upon'by the rolls. Fig. 17 is a transverse section through the strip after it leaves the flattening rolls and illustrates on a greatly enlarged scale the vcondition of the strip, including the rib, immediately yafter it leaves the rolls. As indicated above, Fg. 18 illustrates the condition of the ribbed strip Aafter the pressure has been relieved andthe rib R1 has had an opportunity to react and return to amore upright position relatively to the base portion of ing approximately 60 to the plane of the base. Figs. 17 and 18 also illustrate the wide reinforcement provided by the reinforcing strip T after it has been applied to the inner side of the rib and to the surface of thel base adjacent to said w inner side. The completed ribbed strip illustrated in Fig. 18 is ready to be applied to the outer surface of an insole to provide a sewing rib thereon, the strip being applied, for'exainple, in the manner disclosed in'` Letters- Patent of theUnited..`

States No. 2,383,560, granted August 28,...1945, on an application flied inthe name offI-Ian'sV C. Paulsen, to provide aV rib which will extend 'from approximately the heel breast line at one side of the weer?" 10 insole aroundthe shank and forepart and bac again appro`Xiri`i`atelyl to the heelebreast line at' the opposite side of the insole. As indicated above, if the ribbed strip is not to be applied immediately to insole to provide a sewing rib thereon, it may be wound upon a spool or reel in thecondition illustrated in Fig. 17 and may thus be con'- .vehiently handled prior to its attachment to an' insole or shipped t'o manufacturers who may apjply the strip to insoles later in the process of manufacturing welt shoes for shoes of similar construction or in manufacturing insoles4 adapted for use in such shoes.

' Having thus described my invention, what I 'claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: y

1. In 'an apparatus for use in Vforming ribbed strips, comprising a plurality of layers, 4for application to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, the combination of meansfor folding layers of the strip to form a rib while maintaining another layer in an unfolded condition,l rolls for drawing the strip through the folding means and for pressing the rib, and means for applying an additional strip of material to one side only of the rib` and to an adjacent surface of the unfolded layerto reinforce the ribbed strip.

2. In 'an apparatus for use in forming ribbed strips, comprising a plurality of layers', for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, the combination of a folder for forming layers of the strip into a rib while maintaining one layer in an unfolded condition, a plurality of rolls for moving the strip through the folder and for simultaneously pressing the rib, and means for securing to one side of the rib and an adjacent surface of the unfolded layer a reinforcing strip which extends beyond said unfolded layer to provide a wide reinforcement for the insole.

40 3. In an apparatus for use in making ribbed strips, comprising a-plurality of plies, adapted for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, the combination f a stationary folder for folding all but one ply of the strip into a position to form a rib while maintaining said one ply in a dat unfoldedy onditin, a plurality of driven rolls for drawing the strip progressively through the folder and for pressing the folded plies4 together to complete the rib, and rotary means ffor applying a separatestri-p of material to the inner side of the rib and the adjacent surface of the unfolded ply to reinfonce the ribbed strip.

4. In an apparatus for use in forming ribbed strips, comprising a plurality of superimposed layers, for application to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, the combination of a folder for folding the opposite margins of the` upper layers of the strip toward each other to form a rib While maintaining the lower layer in a substantially flat position to provide a base for the rib, a pluthe strip, the inclination of the rib preferably bej f rality of driven rolls for drawing' the strip through the folder and for pressing the rib to compress the same, andmeans for positioning and securing an additional strip of material to' one side of the rib and to an adjacent surface of the base layer to reinforce said rib' and base layer,` said means locating the reinforcing material in" a position to extend a substantial distance beyond said adjacent surface to provide a reinforcement for 7o the insole.

, 5. In an apparatus for use in forming ribbed strips, comprising a plurality of superimposed layers, for attachment to insoles to'provide sewing ribs thereon, the combination' of a' stationary folder for progressively turning the opposite margins of the upper layers of the strip into an upstanding position relatively to the lower layer while maintaining said lower layer in a flat condition to serve as a base for the strip, a plurality of driven rolls for drawing the strip lengthwise through the folder and for pressing the folded layers together progressively to form a multiply rib, and means including a plurality of roles for applying to the inner side of the rib and the surface of the base adjacent to said inner side an additional strip of reinforcing material which is located substantially flush with the top of the rib but extends a considerable distance beyond the adjacent surface of the base to provide a wide reinforcement for the body of the insole.

6. In an apparatus for use in forming ribbed strips, comprising a plurality of superimposed layers, for application to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, the combination of means for folding the upper layers of the strip toward each other while maintaining the lower layer in lan unfolded condition, a plurality of rolls for drawing the strip through the folding means and for pressing the folded layers together to form a rib, and rotary means for progressively applying a layer of reinforcing material to one side only of the rib and to an adjacent surface of the unfolded layer, said means being constructed and arranged to move the strip and reinforcing layer in unison while applying said layer.

7. In an apparatus for use in forming a ribbed strip for attachment to insoles to provide a sewing rib thereon, said strip comprising a plurality of superimposed layers secured together along their mid portions, the combination of means for folding the free margins of the upper layers of the strip toward each other while maintaining the lower layer in an unfolded condition to form a base for the strip, a plurality of driven rolls for drawing the strip progressively through the folding means while simultaneously pressing the folded layers together to form a rib, said rolls being also constructed and arranged to maintain the base layer in a substantially flat position during the pressing operation, means for progressively `applying a reinforcing strip to one side of the rib and an adjacent surface of the base layer, and power-operated means for operating said rolls and the strip applying means simultaneously and at the same rate of speed.

8. In an 'apparatus for use in forming ribbed strips for attachment to insoles to provide a Sewing rib thereon, said strip comprising a plurality of superimposed layers secured together at their mid portions, the combination of a folder for folding the opposite margins of the upper layers of the strip toward each other while maintaining the lower layer in an unfolded condition to vprovide a base for the strip, a plurality of rolls for drawing the strip through the folder and for pressing the folded layers together to form a multi-ply rib, means for progressively applying a reinforcing layer to one side of the rib and an adjacent surface of the base layer, and means for thereafter pressing the strip to bend the rib downwardly against said base layer and .thereby compress the strip including the rib into a more nearly fiat condition.

9. In van .apparatus for use in forming a ribbed strip for attachment to insoles to provide a sewing rib thereon, said strip comprising a plurality of layers superimposed upon each other and stitched together at their mid portions, the combination of Ia folder for folding the opposite free margins of the upper layers of the strip toward 12 each other while holding the lower layer in a 'relatively flat condition to provide a base for the strip, a plurality of driven rolls for drawing the strip progressively through said folder and for thereafter pressing the folded layers together to form a rib while maintaining the base layer in a substantially flat position, means for progressively securing to the inner side of said rib and to the surface of the base layer adjacent to said inner side a separate strip of cement-coated material to reinforce said rib and base layer, and a pair of driven rolls for compressing the strip to bend the rib toward the base l-ayer and thereby cause the rib to assume a permanently inclined position relatively to said base layer.

l0. In an apparatus for use in fonming ribbed strips for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, said strip comprising a plurality of superimposed layers stitched together along their central portions, the combination of stationary means for folding the free margins of the upper layers of the strip toward each other along the stitches while holding the lower layer of the strip in an unfolded condition, a plurality of driven rolls for drawing the strip progressively through the folding means and for thereafter pressing the folded margins of the strip against each other to form a rib, said rolls being arranged to maintain the unfolded layer in a substantially flat position to form a base for the rib, and means for positioning and progressively applying an additional layer of material to one side of the rib and an adjacent surface of the base layer to reinforce said rib and base layer, said applying means being constructed and arranged to feed the strip and additional layer in-unison while said additional layer is being applied.

11. A device for use in reinforcing ribbed strips, comprising a multi-ply rib and a flat base portion, adapted for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, said device having, in combination, a pair of frusto-conical rolls for applying a cemented strip of reinforcing material to the ribbed strip, a cylindrical roll for supporting said base portion, mechanism for rotating said frusto-conical rolls, and stationary means for guiding the ribbed strip and reinforcing strip to the frusto-conical rolls with the reinforcing strip in a position to be applied to one side only of the rib and to the surface of the base adjacent to said side, said guiding means being constructed and arranged to bend the reinforcing strip at right angles widthwise before it passes into said rolls.

12. A device for use in reinforcing ribbed strips, comprising a rib and a base, adapted for attachment to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, said device having, in combination, a pair of driven rolls for applying a strip of reinforcing material to the ribbed strip, the reinforcing strip being precoated on one side with pressure-responsive cement, power-operated mechanism for driving said rolls, a cylindrical roll for supporting the 4base of the ribbed strip during the application of the reinforcing strip thereto, and means for simultaneously guiding the ribbed strip and reinforcing strip to the applying rolls, said means being constructed and arranged to position the ribbed strip so that the rib will enter between the applying rolls while the base passes outside said rolls and also to locate the reinforcing strip in position to be applied by said rolls to the inner side of the rib and to the surface of the base adjacent to said inner side.

13. A device for use in reinforcing ribbed strips, comprising a rib and a base, adapted for application to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, said device having, in combination, a pair of frusto-conical rolls for applying a strip of reinforcing material to the ribbed strip, power-operated mechanism for driving said rolls, means for guiding the ribbed strip and reinforcing strip to said frusto-conical rolls, said means comprising a iguide for directing the ribbed strip to the rolls with the rib in position to enter between said rolls and the base in position to pass by the ends of the rolls, and another guide. arranged to guide the reinforcing strip to the rolls with said reinforcing strip bent into a position to be applied to one side only of the rib and to the surface of the base adjacent to said side but with a substantial portion of the reinforcing strip extending beyond said adjacent surface, and rotary means associated with the frusto-conical rolls for engaging the ribbed strip and maintaining the full height of the rib between said rolls during the reinforcing operation. f

14. A device for use in reinforcing ribbedstrips, comprising a multi-ply rib and a at base, adapted for application to insoles to provide sewing ribs thereon, said device having, in combination, a pair of rolls for automatically applying a strip of reinforcing material precemented on one side with pressure-responsive cement to one side of but with the base passing by the ends of the rolls, a second guidev for conducting the reinforcing strip to the applying rolls with the strip bent into an angular position to be applied by the rolls to the inner side of the rib and to the surface of the base adjacent to said inner side and with a substantial portion of the reinforcing strip extending beyond the edge of said adjacent surface, and rotary means for engaging the side of the base opposite said adjacent surface and supporting said base in a substantially iiat position during the reinforcing operation, said means also operating to maintain the rib of the ribbed strip fully between said applying rolls while the reinforcing operation is taking place.

STANLEY M. GRISWOLD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 231,327 Joslin Aug. 17, 1880 368,166 Plamondon et al. Aug. 9, 1887 694,099 Hale Feb. 25, 1902 1,305,141 MacPherson May 27, 1917 1,546,929 Guttin July 21, 1925 1,580,110 Bazzoni Apr. 13, 1926 1,850,120 Osgood Mar. 22, 1932 1,882,039 Roberts et al Oct. 11, 1932 2,210,433 Roscoe Aug. 6, 1940 2,311,085 Rudolph Feb. 16, 1943 

